Hello,
With much help from Fodorites, we are finalizing our itinerary. So far these are our bases:

Day 1, 2: arrive Naples, go to Casale Giancesare Villa Agricola near Paestrum
3, 4, 5, 6: Messaria Aprile, Locorontondo
7, 8, 9, 10: Lecce, accomodation recommendations welcomed
11, 12, 13: Borgo San Gaetano, Bernalda
14: Il Giardino Dei Glicini, Ercolano
15: Fly out of Naples

Recommendations welcomed as to number of days or areas to explore in addition

Ttt

Why are you going to Bernalda?

Not going there per se, but as a base between Lecce and Naples. We thought we would visit Pietrapertosa, Castlemezzano, Aliano, Tursi, Craco, and/or possibly delve into the foot of the boot more. Borgo San Gaetano seems lovely as an accommodation. But, all thoughts are welcomed. Thanks!

I liked very much the time we spent in and around Bernalda, on more than one trip to the region...

Thank you for the validation.

VF, Bernalda is home to famed director Francis Ford Coppola's villa/wine biz. If memory serves, his family roots are there. Villa Margherita, am I right?
*He was one of the only A-list filmic folk who actually read the manuscript that my wife had once sent around. We had written a biopic about Harriet Tubman.
Btw, we'll be just south of you that month, in Calabria.
I am done. the sun

We appreciate all the help here! MIA because we were involved with a family health crisis that worked out well. Back to planning now.